CM asks T`gana supporters not to hamper welfare programmes

Andhra Pradesh CM N Kiran Kumar Reddy appealed to Telangana protagonists not
to hamper development and welfare programmes, and maintained that it was for the Centre to take a decision on the contentious statehood issue.

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N
Kiran Kumar Reddy on Tuesday appealed to Telangana protagonists not
to hamper development and welfare programmes, and maintained
that it was for the Centre to take a decision on the
contentious statehood issue.

"The Telangana demand is not new and it has been there
for the past 50 years. The Centre appointed Srikrishna
Committee to look into the issue and based on its
recommendations and consultations with all political parties
it will take a decision.

"The state government will implement whatever decision
the Centre takes on Telangana," Reddy said replying to the
motion of thanks to the Governor`s address in the state
Assembly this afternoon.
The Chief Minister completed his reply in just about 12
minutes even as the TRS MLAs stormed the Speaker`s podium and
raised slogans demanding that the House pass a resolution
seeking creation of Telangana state.

Referring to the recent `Rachchabanda` (mass contact
programme) organised by the government across the state, the
Chief Minister pointed out that it was a massive success
despite strong opposition by Telangana protagonists.
"The programme reflected the real aspirations of the
people in getting their grievances redressed. More than 66
lakh new petitions were received during the three-week long
programme from people seeking various welfare measures. Our
government is committed to implement all welfare programmes
initiated since 2004," Kiran asserted.